[LM24] Le Mans 2019 (15th/16th June) - Who Is Going?

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

So, after a two year sabbatical, I am really really happy to be posting on this thread again!

I'm rounding off Friday afternoon assembly, dismissing my class and bundling them into their parents' arms, hopping on the tube from Edgware Road to Victoria and getting the coach straight to LM, arriving at the circuit before Saturday morning warm-up.

Return journey arrives at London Victoria at 5.30 am - just enough time to get a shower before starting Monday morning assembly.

A true test of endurance - but totally worth it.

Good to have you back - for two feats of endurance then......

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

So, after a two year sabbatical, I am really really happy to be posting on this thread again!

I'm rounding off Friday afternoon assembly, dismissing my class and bundling them into their parents' arms, hopping on the tube from Edgware Road to Victoria and getting the coach straight to LM, arriving at the circuit before Saturday morning warm-up.

Return journey arrives at London Victoria at 5.30 am - just enough time to get a shower before starting Monday morning assembly.

A true test of endurance - but totally worth it.

Awesome! Looking forward to see you again, even though it will be without the Martini livered, Søren Kirkegaard driven Fiat Panda .
I am trusting that you will do the full 24hours without sleep - right?

[Aysedasi]

Border Control will refuse him entry to the country unless he signs a declaration to that effect..... New transitional Brexit rule - came into force today.

[LC2guy]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I'm rounding off Friday afternoon assembly, dismissing my class and bundling them into their parents' arms, hopping on the tube from Edgware Road to Victoria and getting the coach straight to LM, arriving at the circuit before Saturday morning warm-up.

Return journey arrives at London Victoria at 5.30 am -

Please can you give me the details of this coach trip, my son & i were due to go over but our driver has had to pull out. I thought we'd have to miss out, but this would help. Alternatively, if someone driving down has 2 spare seats and wants to share all costs, i'd also be interested. Thnx in advance.

[Truckosaurus]

If all else fails there is the train from London => Paris => Le Mans and then the tram all the way to the circuit. You have to be travelling somewhat lightly though.

[LC2guy]

Originally Posted by Truckosaurus

If all else fails there is the train from London => Paris => Le Mans and then the tram all the way to the circuit. You have to be travelling somewhat lightly though.

Thanks, thats another option. I'll explore times !!!

[S griffin]

Well it depends how much free time you want as well

[kpkorsager]

you can also fly from London to Paris. jump on the TGW to Le Mans and the tram to the track.

Back in London sunday night at 23:30

[Peter Mallett]

This conversation reminds me. Since we are heading down on the Wednesday 10am train in our MGB, how long should the drive take from the Chunnel to the circuit? The car can keep up with modern traffic but I'm basing my question on complying with the speed limits.

[GT6]

depends on how you like driving. If you do not mind endless motorways and tolls then about 4 hours, if you like a more relaxed style then use the old roads after Rouen, stop for a bit of lunch and enjoy the cars going past while enjoying some french hospitality at a road side cafe. might take a little longer but that is part of the trip and probably one of the highlights for some people including myself.

[Peter Mallett]

Yes the second option seems the right choice. Probably motorways and tolls for the return trip.

[GT6]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yes the second option seems the right choice. Probably motorways and tolls for the return trip.

We usually stop off at the big supermarket at bernay, they do lovely pizza's the fuel price is usually the lowest you will see and you can stock up for essentials for the first night. Then have a coffee/beer at beaumont closer to le mans. Usually loads of old cars there and plenty more going past.

[S griffin]

Sounds like you have plenty to do there. That's the magic of Le Mans, it's not just the racing that is enjoyable

[GT6]

Originally Posted by S griffin

Sounds like you have plenty to do there. That's the magic of Le Mans, it's not just the racing that is enjoyable

Le mans is a week of motor racing holiday, the drive down is relaxing and the whole week of meeting old friends see wonderful cars, meeting new friends and living in a tent. Add to that some motor racing and what could be better.

[Aysedasi]

Nothing at all......

[GT6]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

Nothing at all......

Well that is a surprise Andrew, but even more surprised you missed the bit about living in a tent

[Aysedasi]

No, I didn't miss it Simon, I just gave that up over 20 years ago......

[S griffin]

Well that’s one fun bit of Le Mans, but I guess there are better options out there now than the tent?

[nobster]

Originally Posted by S griffin

Well that’s one fun bit of Le Mans, but I guess there are better options out there now than the tent?

depends do you want to stay/sleep near the track or not

[Peter Mallett]

I think Ayse has already said, he doesn't sleep during the 24hrs so being "on site" in a tent isn't an issue for him. I had no idea about what was available but my camping days are long past so I've booked the flexotel this year. If we enjoy ourselves perhaps an alternative next year(?)

[GT6]

Camping is not the hassle it was 30 years ago, tents are easier to put up, camping beds are now more than a piece of foam rubber, we have fridges available and proper cooking facilities plus massive gazebo's and all the campsites have good toilets and showers. staying in a hotel is a step down in my opinion now days.

[CTD]

This is a never ending discussion .

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by GT6

Camping is not the hassle it was 30 years ago, tents are easier to put up, camping beds are now more than a piece of foam rubber, we have fridges available and proper cooking facilities plus massive gazebo's and all the campsites have good toilets and showers. staying in a hotel is a step down in my opinion now days.

A comfy bed in a comfy hotel is a step down on a campsite? Not to me. As far as I'm concerned, my 10 days at Le Mans are just about perfect and if I'm absolutely honest, you wouldn't get me in a tent these days if you paid me. There is a lot said about not doing Le Mans properly unless you're permanently at the circuit and under canvas and sure, if that floats your boat, no problem at all. I suspect over my time at Le Mans each year I see a lot more of the cars and get as much of the atmosphere as anyone - wherever they choose to stay. We've had these gentle debates many times over the years and we both know we're not going to change each other's minds. A bit like my natural desire to ridicule anyone who sleeps during race night at Le Mans, which I consider to be the height of sacrilege. That's why I stay sober and get plenty of sleep in my comfy bed in the days before the race, so I can stay awake and enjoy the greatest night of the year, as I have for the last 31 years.

[GT6]

Everyone enjoys le mans differently i guess but we all enjoy it and that is the most important thing

[S griffin]

Well it depends how much you enjoy it. I bet people have so many memories of their time there